Where the Road Ends, Real Adventure Begins

This photograph captures a breathtaking and rare moment during the Dakar Rally 2023, showcasing the raw intensity and beauty of a rider crossing a flooded river in the heart of the desert.

In the center of the image, the rider speeds through the rushing waters, his bike creating a spectacular explosion of splashes that dominate the frame. The water droplets, suspended mid-air, form an intricate pattern, making it almost impossible to distinguish whether the scene is a photograph or a painting. The depth of field adds to the magic, with blurred trees in the background partially obscured by the spray, creating a sense of motion and drama.

This extraordinary moment was made possible by rare conditions—an unusually heavy rainfall in the northern part of Saudi Arabia that turned the desert into a network of rivers for nine consecutive days. Witnessing a flooded desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and capturing it during the world’s toughest rally makes it even more special.

The Dakar Rally, known as the hardest off-road race on Earth, spans over 10,000 kilometers in just 12 days, with competitors braving diverse terrains under relentless conditions. During this stage, the flooded desert added a new layer of challenge, forcing riders to navigate rivers amidst the sand.

To capture this stunning shot, I was photographing from a helicopter for most of the day, tracking competitors as they navigated the harsh conditions. When I spotted a massive river cutting through the desert, I requested the pilot to land nearby. Determined to find the perfect angle, I ventured into the water, unaware it would reach depths of 1.5 meters in places.

Standing in the middle of the river, I positioned my lens to follow the speeding rider as he passed, water splashing wildly around him. Using a f-stop of 2.8, I captured the fine details of the water and the subtle depth of the trees in the background. When I reviewed the image, I was stunned—it looked more like a masterpiece painted on canvas than a photograph. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I made that day, immortalizing a fleeting and extraordinary moment in time.